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Average Price: $671

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$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 29, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your drumming sound with the Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' Hi-Hats, a crowd-favorite for musicians seeking a distinctive fusion of classic warmth and modern edge. Crafted with precision, these hi-hats blend the moody, atmospheric character of the K series with a brighter, sharper articulation that shines in both studio and live settings. The combination of a medium-thin top cymbal and a medium bottom cymbal produces an even, controlled chick sound with a short sustain, ideal for intricate rhythms and dynamic performances.

Whether you're a studio artist looking for nuanced soundscapes or a live performer who needs versatility and clarity, these hi-hats deliver with finesse. Their ability to adapt to various genres makes them a favorite among fusion, pop, and jazz players. The Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' Hi-Hats aren't just an accessory to your kit—they're a statement of your musical identity and creativity.

Key Features:

  • Medium-thin top cymbal paired with a medium bottom cymbal
  • Short sustain for controlled sound
  • Versatile for studio and live performances
  • Ideal for fusion, pop, and jazz styles
  • Distinctive fusion of classic warmth and modern edge

Product specs

Brand Zildjian
Model 13" K Custom Dark Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Finish Traditional, Traditional
Year 1995 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Hi-Hats
Diameter 13"

FAQs

What sound characteristics can I expect from the Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' hi-hats?

The Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' hi-hats offer a warm, dark, and complex sound with a quick decay. They provide a clean "chick" sound and are suitable for a variety of musical styles, making them versatile for both studio and live performance settings.

Are the Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' hi-hats suitable for jazz music?

Yes, these hi-hats are well-suited for jazz music due to their dark, warm tones and subtle articulation, which complement the dynamic and nuanced playing often required in jazz.

How do the Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' hi-hats compare to larger hi-hats?

The 13'' size of the Zildjian K Custom Dark hi-hats offers a faster response and tighter sound compared to larger hi-hats, making them ideal for drummers who prefer quick, articulate hi-hat work.

What type of finish do the Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' hi-hats have?

The Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' hi-hats feature a traditional finish, which contributes to their warm and dark sound profile, enhancing their overall tonal complexity.

Are the Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' hi-hats handcrafted?

Yes, these hi-hats are handcrafted in the United States, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in their production.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi Hats Cymbal (K0940-1010713C)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi Hats Cymbal (K0940-1010713C) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi Hats Cymbal (K0940-1010713C)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats 805/965g (K0940-1032519B) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats 805/965g (K0940-1032519B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 13" K Custom Dark HiHat (Pair) - K0940 by Avedis Zildjian Company

13" K Custom Dark HiHat (Pair) - K0940

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi Hats - 825g/976g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi Hats - 825g/976g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats - 777/1000g (K0940-1081820E) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats - 777/1000g (K0940-1081820E)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi Hats - 828g/920g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 13" K Custom Dark Hi Hats - 828g/920g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Reviews

PROS

  • Spectacular versatility for various music styles including jazz, blues, and funk

  • Bright "chick" sound with excellent definition and stick response

  • Beautiful, crisp sizzle with a dark, yet clean tone

  • Lower pitch than typical 13" hi-hats without losing clarity

  • Fills musical spaces effectively with dark sizzle

  • Maintains an EQ’d sound, even in complex grooves

  • Easily heard over other instruments like horns and piano

  • Elegant sound that complements a wide range of musical genres

CONS

  • Perceived as too heavy for 13" hi-hats by some users

  • May not perform well in hard rock due to tendency to wash out

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats.

User experience

  • K Custom Dark hi-hats improve with age, revealing more sonic complexity as they wear in over several years.

    Source
  • Transitioning from bright, cheaper cymbals to K Custom Dark can initially be challenging due to their distinct tonal quality.

    Source
  • The 13" variant is noted to integrate better in a mix, offering a warm tone while cutting through slightly more than the 14" version.

    Source
  • Despite being quieter, the K Custom Dark hi-hats avoid sounding dry, trashy, or dead, maintaining a lively presence.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • These hi-hats excel in jazz or slower, quieter music due to their lower pitch and complexity but may lack cut for rock or pop.

    Source
  • Owners recommend testing K Custom Dark hi-hats in person or through extensive video demos to appreciate their nuanced sound.

    Source
  • The 13" version is quieter, suitable for softer playing or rehearsals, but may struggle in very loud group settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • K Custom Dark hi-hats are thinner and darker compared to the brighter, thicker K series, offering less stick definition.

    Source
  • Compared to Sabian AA Mediums and New Beats, the K Custom Dark lacks sharpness and definition but provides a more pleasing tone overall.

    Source
  • Owners who traded 13” K Custom Darks for Paiste Traditional hats later regretted the decision, highlighting the unique appeal of the K Custom Dark's sound profile.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dario_mannu

13 shades of awesomeness!

The K custom dark Hi Hat change my perspective, I always used the 14" Hi Hats... so this cymbal it's really AWESOME! It's perfect to play Jazz, Blues, Funk, R & B, and everything in between! Love it!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

My Favourite Jazz Cymbal Set From left to right

Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats Zildjian K custom dark 20'' ride (with a little chain that stands for the rivets) Zildjian A custom 16'' crash - on top of this - Zildjian K series 10" splash Zildjian K series 20'' ride

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tim Alexander uses Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats

Tim Alexander

Drummer

A Perfect Circle

...
Verified via Photo

Article from DRUM magazine! in November 2014 showed 13" K Custom Dark hat as one of the cymbals that Herb used on the tour.

See how Steve Shelley uses Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats

Steve Shelley

Drummer

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

Here is Steve Shelley's kit on Sonic Youth's Gear page. "Steve's set-up is pretty much the same. '68 Ludwig kit, K Classic Dark Custom cymbals (13" hi-hat, 17" crash, 20" ride), Zildjian plates and gong."

See how Alex Shelnutt uses Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats

Alex Shelnutt

Drummer

A Day to Remember

...
Verified via YouTube

In the description of this video, Zildjain runs down Alex's cymbal setup. For his hi hats he uses a k custom hi hat set.

See how Nick Folio uses Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats

Nick Folio

Drummer

Bad Omens

...
Verified via Bad Omens | Official Website

Nick Folio utilizes Zildjian K Custom Dark 13'' Hi-Hats as a key component of his drum kit, enhancing his sound with their distinctive dark finish and pronounced 'K' marking. Information about his gear can be found on the official Bad Omens website.

See how Mix-Roman uses Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats

Mix-Roman

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Vk

As you can see on the picture, he's using Zildjian K custom dark hi hats

See how Alex Woodward uses Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats

Alex Woodward

Drummer

Black Honey

...
Verified via RockShot Magazine

Alex Woodward confirmed via Instagram that he uses Zildjian K Custom Dark 13" Hi Hats.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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